Something in the air

You don't need a calendar to know that the festive season is upon us. It announces itself with glitter, cheer and chaos

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

As surely as summer follows spring, Diwali comes calling soon after the Goddess Durga has gone back to her home in the hills after celebrating Pujo.

But even if you don't monitor the calendar too closely, it is easy to tell when the festive season is upon us. The signs are all around, even if you aren't really looking out for them.

In my case, the first hint arrives from Mother Nature herself. The two Shiuli plants on my balcony start budding and in a matter of days, tiny white flowers with an orange centre begin appearing. They bloom during the night, bringing the most amazing fragrance with them. And the next day, the floor is covered with the blossoms that fell overnight, creating a white, perfumed carpet to greet you as you wake in the morning.